The Soundcore Motion X500 is the latest in the range of portable Bluetooth speakers from Anker Innovations’ Soundcore sub-brand and features spatial audio with an upward-firing driver called a Sky Channel

The X500 joins Soundcore’s Motion range of Bluetooth speakers, sitting in between the and models. The X500 has a similar sloping design as the X600 but in a shorter and more portable form factor, making it ideal for garden use or taking on a picnic.

The new speaker has three full-range drivers directed left and right while another speaker, called a Sky Channel, points upwards and creates a spatial sound with both height and width in the soundstage. Digital amplifiers built into the Motion X500 can pump up to 40W of power, which Anker claims is enough to fill a room with detailed 3D spatial sound.

The X500 uses Soundcore’s spatial audio algorithm alongside a high-end DSP (digital signal processor) tuned to deliver high-fidelity sound across a wide soundstage with extra clarity in the treble range. To provide more bottom end, the X500 includes two passive radiators for beefing up the bass.

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To strengthen its hi-fi ambitions, the Motion X500 has been certified for wireless Hi-Res audio and is compatible with the LDAC codec now found on many Android devices. The LDAC codec offers higher sound quality than the more usual SBC codec used in many other Bluetooth speakers. The X500 also supports the AAC codec used by Apple for all its iOS devices. The Soundcore app includes a 9-band graphic equalizer for tweaking the tone of the X500.

The casing of the Motion X500 is made from matte aluminum and features an embossed version of the Soundcore logo across the speaker grille. With its purse-like design and fixed carrying handle, the Motion X500 is designed to be easily moved from room to room or even taken out into the backyard for a BBQ.

Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the Motion X500 can play for up to 12 hours between charges. The casing has a waterproof rating of IPX7, which means it can shrug off rain and water splashes.

Equipped with LED lights, the Sky Channel speaker on the top of the Motion X500 also has dynamic lighting. Based on the chosen EQ mode, the “Sky Channel” can display different colored lights or the user can customize the LEDs using the Soundcore app.

Pricing & Availability: The Soundcore Motion X500 Bluetooth speaker will be available in three colors: Black Deluxe, Glitzy Blue and Pink Punch. Pre-orders can be placed now at for / / . The Soundcore Motion X500 will go on general sale on November 9 for the higher price of / / €169.99.

More info:

Tech Specs:

  • Bluetooth version: 5.3.
  • Output: 40W.
  • Speakers: 2 x 15W full-range, 1 x 10W full-range (upward firing).
  • Passive radiators: 2.
  • Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC.
  • Frequency range: 50Hz – 40kHz.
  • of pwoerBattery: Lithium-ion 7.2V/6,400mAh.
  • Playing time: 12 hours.
  • Charing time: 6 hours.
  • Waterproof rating: IPX7.
  • App: Yes.
  • Dimensions: 191 x 81 228mm.
  • Weight: 1.627kg.